One-Pot Tomato and Basil Spaghetti
A straightforward pasta dish where fresh tomatoes and basil come together in a savory sauce, cooked all in one pot for easy cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth and add 12 oz dry spaghetti, making sure the pasta is submerged. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the broth has reduced to a sauce that coats the spaghetti.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined and the cheese melts into the sauce. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato and Basil Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Tomato and Basil Spaghetti?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato and Basil Spaghetti?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Tomato and Basil Spaghetti for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Tomato and Basil Spaghetti vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
